2017

Latest Outer Hebrides Bird and Wildlife Sightings. Please note that the sightings below do not reflect the variety of species you can see in a normal day out birding or wildlife watching. These reports concentrate on more unusual species or significant counts or movements.

30th April:

Lewis: 250+ Long-tailed Ducks were on Loch Branahuie this morning. 2 immature Iceland Gulls were at Tiumpan also this morning.
A juvenile Iceland Gull was at the inner harbour in Stornoway and a couple of Blackcaps were in the Castle Grounds. A Chiffchaff was at the Butt. 9 Pink-footed Geese, pair of Gadwall and the Coot are still at Loch Stiapabhat. A Green-winged Teal and Black-tailed Gowit are at Fivepenny. A male Snow Bunting was feeding with House Sparrows in Port of Ness.

North Uist: 20 Whimbrel were in Carinish this morning.

Benbecula: 22+ Whimbrel were at Borve Point.

South Uist: 37 Whimbrel and 16 Black-tailed Godwits were on Bornish machair and a 2nd cal yr Iceland Gull was at Ardvule.

Barra: At least 1 Night Heron is still present in the Castlebay area although becoming more mobile and elusive. Also on the island Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler and a couple of Blackcaps. 11 Whimbrel were at Allasdale.

Lewis: 2 Lapland Buntings were near Loch Tiumpan. 104 Long-tailed Ducks were on Loch Branahuie.
2 Iceland Gulls were at the Butt, 5 Whimbrel, 2 Chiffchaff and 3 Redwings. The Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, 9 Pink-footed Geese and a Coot were on Loch Stiapabhat; a female Lapland Bunting was also close by.

North Uist: 12 Whimbrel and 2 Redwings were at Carinish today.
A Green-winged Teal was at Loch na Reivil. A juvenile Iceland Gull and 3 Lapland Buntings were at Balranald.

Benbecula: A juvenile / 1st yr Iceland Gull was on the South Ford at Creagorry.
A Brent Goose was in Stinky Bay. 17 Black-tailed Godwits were at Loch Mor.

South Uist: A 1st yr Glaucous Gull was at Ardvule today along with 13 Whimbrel and 10 Black-tailed Godwits. 12 Whimbrel and a 1st yr Iceland Gull were at Ardivachar. A Chiffchaff was in Bornish. A 1st yr Iceland Gull, 44 Black-tailed Godwits and 8 Whimbrel were at Balgarva. 40 Black-tailed Godwits were at Loch Hallan. 37 Whimbrel were at Askernish and a Cuckoo also.

Barra: The Night Heron is still in Castlebay although mobile.
A Pomarine Skua flew north past Brevig this evening.

28th April:

Lewis: A 2nd yr Iceland Gull was at the Butt. The Green-winged Teal and a pair of Pintail are still on Loch Stiapabhat whilst 2 Lapland Buntings are close by. 63 Black-tailed Godwits and 7 Pink-footed Geese were at Fivepenny in the morning.

North Uist: A Blue Tit was a brief visitor to a garden at Scotvein, Grimsay this morning.
10 Black-tailed Godwits and 14 pale-bellied Brent Geese were on Baleshare this afternoon. 6 Iceland Gulls and 3 Glaucous Gulls were at Rubh' Arnal. A Little Egret was at Aird an Runair. 50 Whimbrel were at Loch Sandary.

Barra: A Night Heron is still by the football pitch in Castlebay.

27th April:

Lewis: A 2nd yr Iceland Gull was at the Butt. The Green-winged Teal, pair of Pintail and 7 Whooper Swans were at Loch Stiapabhat. 1,200 Golden Plover were at Eoropie and 55 Black-tailed Godwits were at Fivepenny.

Benbecula: At least 195 Black-tailed Gowits were at Loch Fada and 60+ Whimbrel were nearby just south of Caley Timber. A male Snow Bunting also flew north across Loch Mor.

South Uist: 86 Whimbrel and 2 Lapland Buntings were on the Range along with 2,000 Golden Plover. 64 Black-tailed Godwits were at Askernish. 122 Brent Geese flew north along the beach at Askernish. 3 Pintails and 67 Whimbrel were at Frobost.

Barra: 2 Night Herons are still around the football picth in Castebay today. A 2nd cal yr Iceland Gull was at Borve Point. 9 Whooper Swans were at Tangasdale and 11 Black-tailed Godwits were at Eoligarry.

26th April:

Lewis: A juvenile Glaucous Gull was at the Butt this evening. The Green-winged Teal, 15 Barnacle Geese, 9 Pink-footed Geese, a pair of Gadwall, pair of Pintail and the Coot were still at Loch Stiapabhat. 2 Lapland Buntings were near Stiapabhat. 112 Black-tailed Godwits were at Fivepenny and 1,200 Golden Plover were at Eoropie.

North Uist:
3 juvenile Iceland Gulls, 3 Glaucous Gull (1 2nd winter and 2 juveniles) and a hybrid Glaucous Gull were at Rubh' Arnal this morning along with 13 Whimbrel, 20+ White Wagtails and 4 Sand Martins. Chiffchaffs were singing at Bayhead and in Carinish.

South Uist: 160 Whimbrel and a Cuckoo were at Askernish today.
48 Black-tailed Godwits were on Bornish machair and 20 Brent Geese were at Ardvule. 20 Whimbrel were at Stoneybridge. 2 x 1st yr Iceland Gulls were at Peninerine. 3 Little Terns were at the north end of Loch Bee this evening.

Barra: Both Night Herons were still around the football picth in Castlebay today. 13 Brent Geese were at Traigh Mhor, 11 were at Brevig and a single was on Vatersay. 12 Whooper Swans were still at Tangasdale.

Insects: A Green-veined White butterfly was seen at Snishival today.
A Red Admiral was in Bornish today.

Lewis: A Cuckoo was in Earshader today. The Green-winged Teal, 160 Black-tailed Godwits and a pair of Pintail were at Fivepenny. 6 Whooper Swans were at Loch Stiapabhat. 1,000 Golden Plover were at Eoropie.

North Uist: 14 Lapland Buntings were at Balranald this morning along with similar numbers of Barnacle and pale-bellied Brent Geese to yesterday. A juvenile Iceland Gull flew north at Aird an Runair. 240+ Black-tailed Godwits and an immature Iceland Gull were at Loch na Reivil, Hougharry.

Barra: 2 Night Herons are by the football pitch in Castlebay.
A Glaucous Gull and 3 Little Terns were at Eoligarry. 12 Whooper Swans and a Black-tailed Godwit were at Tangasdale.

Golden Plover and Twite (Steve Duffield)

24th April:

Lewis: A juvenile Iceland Gull was still in the inner harbour in Stornoway.
A Green-winged Teal, pair of Pintail, drake Shoveler and 66 Black-tailed Godwits were at Fivepenny. 6 Whooper Swans were at Loch Stiapabhat. 1,200 Golden Plover were at Lionel / Eoropie.

North Uist: At least 12 Lapland Buntings were at Balranald along with 150+ Barnacle Geese and 85 pale-bellied Brent Geese. 2 Great Skuas and a few Puffins flew north off Aird an Runair this morning where 120 geese (probably Barnacles) attempted heading north but ended up on the Monachs. A flock of
10 Pomarine Skuas flew north off Aird an Runair this afternoon 8 Whimbrel were at Claddach Kirkibost.
140 Black-tailed Godwits, a Glaucous Gull and an Iceland Gull were at Baleshare this morning.

Benbecula: 7 Swallows were feeding at Coot Loch this afternoon. 20 - 30 Black-tailed Godwits were just south of Balivanich.

23rd April:

Lewis: A juvenile Iceland Gull is in the inner harbour in Stornoway. An adult and a juvenile Glaucous Gull, 2 Barnacle Geese and 2 Whimbrel were at the Butt. A drake Pintail was on Loch Stiapabhat. 800+ Golden Plover were on Eoropie machair.

North Uist: 70+ Black-tailed Godwits and 5 Whimbrel were on Baleshare this afternoon; a juvenile Iceland Gull and an Arctic Skua flew north-west along the shore there too. 4 Whimbrel were at Claddach Baleshare.
A Glaucous Gull was at Loch na Rievil. 20 Black-tailed Godwits were on Berneray.

South Uist: 34 Black-tailed Godwits and 2,500 Golden Plover were west of Loch Bee. 4 Lapland Buntings, 17 Whimbrel, 36 Pink-footed Geese and 4 Barnacle Geese were at Kilaulay. 10 Black-tailed Goditws and 2 White Wagtails were at Ardivachar. 260 Black-tailed Godwits, a Swallow and a male Pintail were at the north end of Loch Bee. 30 Whimbrel, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, a Brent Goose and 3 Sand Martins were on Bornish machair.

Emperor Moth (Steve Duffield)

22nd April:

Lewis: a Lapland Bunting, Redwing and a juvenile Iceland Gull were seen at the Butt with 8 Whimbrel heading north then east. A Chiffchaff was at Eoropie. A Sad Martin was at Fivepenny. 45 Pink-footed Geese and 1,300 Golden Plover were at Eoropie / Lionel. The Green-winged Teal, 6 Whooper Swans, 13 Barnacle Geese, 2 Gadwall, a juvenile Glaucous Gull and 2 Lapland Buntings were at Loch Stiapabhat. 2 Chiffchaffs and 3 Redwings were in Port of Ness.

North Uist: A Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler were in Carinish today whilst an Arctic Skua flew north there this morning.
18 Arctic Terns and 2 Little Terns were on the North Ford off Carinish this evening. The drake Green-winged Teal is still at Oban Trumisgarry.
300 Barnacle Geese flew in to Aird an Runair from the south. 50 Black-tailed Godwits were at Loch Grogarry and 69 were at Loch Sandary.

Benbecula: 22 Black-tailed Godwits and 2 Swallows were at Loch Fada. A drake Pintail was on Loch Mor. 2 Little Terns were off Balivanich. 2 Arctic Terns, a Chiffchaff and 5 White Wagtails were near Lionacleit School.

South Uist: 3 White Wagtails and 4 Whimbrel were at Ardvule with a single Bonxie north there. 2 Lapland Buntings and 7 White Wagtails were on Orosay. A Swallow and 18 Whimbrel were at North Boisdale. 54 Black-tailed Godwits and a Sand Martin were at Loch Hallan. 4 Redwings, 2 Siskin and a Chiffchaff were at North Loch Eynort.
63 Black-tailed Godwits and 4 Pintail were at Frobost.

Insects: A male Belted Beauty was seen to the south of Lionacleit School and 2 male Emperor Moths in central Benbecula near Market Stance.

Shoveler (Mary Lewis)

21st April:

Lewis: The drake Green-winged Teal and a female teal species were on Loch Stiapabhat along with 6 Whooper Swans. 75 Pink-footed Geese and 1,200 Golden Plover were at Lionel / Eoropie. 49 Black-tailed Godwits were at Fivepenny this morning.

North Uist: At least 5 Whimbrel and an Arctic Tern were at Carinish this morning whilst 4 Arctic Terns were present this evening.
40 Whimbrel were at Bayhead this morning. At least 200 Black-tailed Godwits were on Baleshare.
250 Barnacle Geese dropped in at Aird an Runair this morning.

Benbecula: A 2nd winter Iceland Gull was on Torlum machair.
A Common Tern was on Loch Mor.

South Uist: A juvenile Iceland Gull is still at Ardivachar; a Great Skua flew north here too. A minumum 0f 350 Black-tailed Godwits were at the north end of Loch Bee; also 30 Barnacle Geese and 12 Greenland White-fronted Geese were near Ardkenneth. 20 White Wagtails were at Balgarva.
3 Arctic Terns were in North Bay. 19 pale-bellied Brent Geese were on South Uist near the Eriskay causeway.
2 Chifffchaffs, a Lesser Redpoll and 3 Redwings were in Askernish today.

Iceland Gull (Steve Duffield); Willow Warbler (Mary Lewis)

20th April:

Lewis: 12 Whimbrel were at the Butt along with a Knot. A juvenile Iceland Gull was in Port of Ness. 17 Black-tailed Gowits and a Sand Martin were at Fivepenny. 150 Pink-footed Geese and 600 Golden Plover were at Eoropie / Lionel.

North Uist: A Common Tern was on the North Ford fishing off Carinish this morning; also a Whimbrel and a White Wagtail along the shore and 2 Pink-footed Geese nearby. 2 Little Terns were seen on the North Ford in the evening.
The Green-winged Teal was at Oban Trumisgarry again today. A Little Tern and Great Skua were on the west side of Berneray.

South Uist:
At Ardvule today 2 Common Scoter, 5 Arctic Skuas, 6 Great Skuas and 24 Puffins flew north while 36 Kittiwakes and 2 Whimbrel flew south. Also present were 3 Whimbrel, 3 White Wagtails and a Sand Martin. 20 Whimbrel were seen near the Pollochar. A drake Green-winged Teal was seen with a female teal species at Smerlcate today.

Insects:
A Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet, Emperor Moth and 2 Acleris hyemana were caught in South Glendale last night.

Whimbrel and Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet (John Kemp)

19th April:

Lewis: A Cuckoo was heard in Leurbost today. 165 Pink-footed Geese headed north-west out to sea over the Butt this morning where there were 3 Whimbrel. 200 Pink-footed Geese and 17 Barnacle Geese were on the machair at Eoropie / Lionel. A juvenile Iceland Gull was at Loch Stiapabhat. The Green-winged Teal was at Fivepenny.

North Uist: 5 Lapland Buntings were at Balranald today (3 by the visitor centre); also 4 White Wagtails and 50+ Black-tailed Godwits were on Loch nam Feithean. A Glaucous Gull was also seen on the coast at Balranald this morning. There was no sign of the American Coot at Loch nam Feithean. 2 Willow Warblers were singing on Grimsay and another was in Carinish woodland. A drake Green-winged Teal was at Oban Trumisgarry.

South Uist: At Ardvule 2 Great Skuas and 21 Whooper Swans flew north and a flock of 29 Whimbrel arrived from the south. 5 White Wagtails and 2 Lapland Buntings present.

Marine Sightings: A Bottle-nosed Dolphin was off Ardvule this morning.

Lewis: A male Hen Harrier was in Leurbost this evening and 3 Whooper Swans were at Loch Grunnabhat. The drake Green-winged Teal was on Loch Stiapabhat along with 2 Shoveler, a Coot and an Iceland Gull. 2 juvenile Iceland Gulls, a Brent Goose, Swallow, Snow Bunting and 3 Redwings were at the Butt.A Wood Pigeon was at Port of Ness. 2 Manx Shearwaters flew north off Skigersta. 525 Pink-footed Geese had gathered behind Lionel School in the evening.

North Uist: 3 Whimbrel were at Claddach Baleshare this morning. 2 Lapland Buntings were on Baleshare; 2 juvenile Iceland Gulls and a juvenile Glaucous Gull were also feeding off-shore here. A Whimbrel was at Carinish.

Lewis: 2 Whooper Swans were at Loch an Dun, Ranish today. 3 Lapland Buntings were by the sheep troughs at Lional. 2,100 Pink-footed Geese headed north-west at the Butt today; also 13 Whimbrel, a Snow Bunting and a juvenile Iceland Gull in the area. The drake Green-winged Teal was at Fivepenny. The Coot was still on Loch Stiapabhat.

North Uist: 1,000's of Barnacle Geese flew north-west over the west side of the island this morning - early afternoon with at least 1,000 coming down on Aird an Runair; also a Great Skua and 100 Pink-footed Geese flew north there early afternoon. 4 Lapland Buntings and a Chiffchaff were by the Balranald visitor centre. 3 Lapland Buntings were near the coast at Balranald. 7 Black-tailed Godwits were at Loch nam Feithean. Single Little Tern and Arctic Tern were off Griminish Pier whilst a Blackcap and a Chiffchaff were at Callernish House.

Benbecula: A 1st yr Glaucous Gull and 8 Black-tailed Godwits were at Coot Loch this afternoon. A Hawfinch was seen by the hospotal / Windfield Place in Balivanich today (and yesterday).

South Uist: 700 Barnacle Geese flew north between 0815 – 0930 hrs Orosay - Kilpheder. A Whimbrel and a 1st wint. Iceland Gull were also in the same area; the latter at Orosay. A Swallow, 2 Siskins and a Willow Warbler were in South Glendale. Willow Warblers were also heard singing at Daliburgh and Lochboisdale.

Barra: 77 Long-tailed Ducks were on the west side of the island.

Insects: 3 Red Admirals and a few Small Tortoiseshell butterflies were seen at Balranald today.

Lewis: The drake Green-winged Teal was at Fivepenny again this afternoon along with 12 Greenland White-fronted Geese in the morning and 14 Black-tailed Godwits. 30 Pink-footed Geese were in the area. 100+ Redwings and 6 Common Redpoll were at Eoropie. A Coot, 100 Barnacle Geese, 2 Shovelers and 3 Gadwall was at Loch Stiapabhat. A Black Redstart was seen at Eoropie.

Harris: 10 Whooper Swans were at Huisinish.

North Uist: The American Coot was reported from Loch nam Feithean today. 2 American Wigeon were at Oban Trumisgarry. A Great Skua flew over Loch Portain.

South Uist: A Chiffchaff was in South Glendale today.

Chiffchaff (John Kemp)

15th April:

Lewis: A Green-winged Teal was on the flooded machair at Fivepenny along with a pair of Pintail and a pair of Shoveler. 100 Pinkf-footed Geese, 4 Greenland White-fronted Geese and 100+ Barnacle Geese were around Loch Stiapabhat. 2 Gadwall were on Loch Stiapabhat. A Swallow was at Lionel.

North Uist: 2 Pomarine Skuas and 15 Great Skua flew north past Aird an Runair this morning. A Glaucous Gull was on the shore at Balranald.

South Uist: At Ardvule a 1st wint Iceland Gull flew south and 17 Fulmars, 118 Gannets, 4 Arctic Skuas, 19 Great Skuas and 16 Kittiwakes flew north. 27 Whooper Swans are still by the Pollochar. A Glaucous Gull was at Ardivachar. A Glaucous Gull was at Peninerine.

North Uist: 8 Lapland Buntings were at Balranald and the Green-winged Teal was on Loch a' Roe.

South Uist: 7 Great Skuas flew north and 287 Pale-bellied Brents were present at Ardvule. 27 Whooper Swans were on Loch Briste, Pollachar. 65 Black-tailed Godwits were at the north end of Loch Bee this evening.

Red-breasted Merganser (John Kemp)

13th April:

Lewis: 1,710 Pink-footed Geese flew north-west over the Butt this morning along with another 400 that had been grounded previously. 75 Greylag Geese also headed north-west over the Butt in the morning along with 6 Whooper Swans. 30 Black-tailed Godwits also flew north-west over the Butt in the morning. 9 Greenland White-fronted Geese, 132 Barnacle Geese, 12 Whooper Swans, a pale-bellied Brent Goose, 130 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Pintails and 2 Shoveler were still in north Ness.

North Uist: The American Coot was seen on Loch nam Feithean this morning.

South Uist: At Ardvule this morning 7 Great Skuas flew north and a flock of 129 Pale-bellied Brents present.

Great Skuas (John Kemp)

12th April:

Lewis: 700 Pink-footed Geese, 8 Greenland White-fronted Geese, 14 Whooper Swans, 4 Pintail, 2 Shoveler and 33 Black-tailed Godwits were around the north part of Ness. A Whimbrel and juvenile Iceland Gull were at the Butt. 100 Redwings were around Port of Ness. A juvenile Iceland Gull was at Marybank, Stornoway.

North Uist: A Eurasion Coot and 4 Pink-footed Geese were at Loch nam Feithean today. 8 pale-belled Brent Geese were on Berneray and a Bonxie flew over. A Sand Martin was also seen on the east side of Berneray today. The Green-winged Teal was on Loch a' Roe this morning whilst 2 Great Skuas flew north off Aird an Runair and a Lapland Bunting was by the cattle pens near the headland. A Cackling Goose was with around 250 Barnacle Geese which were also joined by around 250 pale-bellied Brent Geese by Loch Grogarry whilst 54 Greenland White-fronted Geese were at Loch nam Feithean.

North Uist: The American Coot is still on Loch nam Feithean. The Green-winged Teal was on Loch a' Roe whilst 55 Greenland White-fronted Geese and 5,000 Barnacle Geese were in the Balranald area. 2 Lapland Buntings were also at Balranald.

South Uist: 126 Pale bellied Brent and a Barnacle Goose feeding at Ardvule. Also 85 Gannets, 16 Fulmars and a Great Skua flew north.

Barra: The White-billed Diver was still off Eoligarry today.

Marine Sightings: A dead Sperm Whale is by the pier in Stinky Bay.

9th April:

Lewis: A juvenile Glaucous Gull and 4 juvenile Iceland Gulls were around Storonoway Harbour. 1,850 Pink-footed Geese were scattered across northern Ness. A drake Pintail was on Loch Stiapabhat and 5 Black-tailed Godwits flew north there. 8 Lapland Buntings were feeding around the sheep pens close to Loch Staipabhat. 3 Iceland Gulls were in Port of Ness in the morning and just 2 came to the roost in the evening.

Harris: A juvenile Iceland Gull was in the bay at Luskentyre today.

North Uist: 10 Lapland Buntings were at Balranald.

South Uist: A northerly movement at Ardvule of 5 Great Skuas and 66 Gannets while birds flying south included 57 Gannets, 31 Razorbills and 75 Kittiwakes. A single Black-tailed Godwit on Bornish machair. 2 Swallows were seen this afternoon at Loch Eynort.

Lewis: A Gyr Falcon was seen heading south at the southern end of Loch Stiapabhat this evening. It was last seen heading in the direction of North Dell. A Swallow, Sand Martin, 120 Pink-footed Geese and 2 Greenland White-fronted Geese were also at Loch Stiapabhat whilst 4 Lapland Buntings were nearby. 5 Iceland Gulls went to roost at Port of Ness. 90 Pink-footed Geese were at Eoropie early morning only. 6 Lapland Buntings, a juvenile Glaucous Gull and 2 Iceland Gulls were at the Butt.

North Uist: 12 Pintail and 750 Barnacle Geese were at Loch Paible today.

South Uist: 250 Barnacle Geese headed north over Ardivachar this morning. At Ardvule 96 Pale-bellied Brents, 24 Barnacle Geese and 1 Great Skua flew north while 92 Razorbills, 14 Fulmars and a Great Skua flew south. Also 2 Black-tailed Godwits on Loch Ardvule. A Chiffchaff and 25 Redwings were in South Glendale.

Brent Geese and Redwing (John Kemp); Lapland Buntings (Tony Marr)

7th April:

Lewis: An immature Iceland Gull was on Loch Branahuie mid-afternoon. An immature Iceland Gull was at Loch Tiumpan in the morning. 5 Iceland Gulls were in Port of Ness this morning as well as in the evening. A Juvenile Iceland Gull was at the Butt this morning. 100+ Barnacle Geese and 9 Pink-footed Geese were at Loch Stiapabhat. 50 Pink-footed Geese were at Lionel this morning.

Harris: 20 Whooper Swans were on Loch a'Mhorgain.

North Uist: At least 5 Lapland Buntings were at Balranald today. A juvenile Iceland Gull was at Loch Hosta along with 2 Sand Martins and 60+ Greenland White-fronted Geese dropped in to the south. 2 immature Iceland Gulls, at least 4 Glaucous Gulls and around 140 Brent Geese were at Rubh' Arnal. The Little Egret was seen again on the North Ford, just south of Grimsay and west of the causeway. 9 Pintails were at Loch Paible. A Sand Martin was at Loch Sandary. 5 Glaucous Gulls were on Baleshare in the afternoon.

Benbecula: A 2nd yr Iceland Gull flew south at Stinky Bay this afternoon.

South Uist: At Ardvule this morning 83 Gannets, 10 Fulmars, 1 Manx Shearwater and a Great Skua flying north and a Black-throated Diver, 49 Kittiwakes and a Great Skua flew south.

Lewis: An immature Iceland Gull was at Aird Point. 57 Redwings were in Shulishader. A pair of Pintail were on Loch Branahuie. 10 Iceland Gulls came in to roost at Port of Ness this evening. 18 Pink-footed Geese were at the Butt early morning and 60 were in fields at Port of Ness this evening. 250 Redwings were in Port of Ness later afternoon.

North Uist: 6 Pintail and 3 Greenland White-fronted Geese were on Baleshare this morning. 14 Greenland White-fronted Geese were near Kirkibost Island. 26 Greenland White-fronted Geese, 3 Pink-footed Geese and 10 Lapland Buntings (including a couple of males occasionally singing) were at Aird an Runair, Balranald; also a Bonxie north over the headland here early afternoon. The American Coot, a Common Coot and 2 Pink-footed Geese were on Loch nam Feithean. A juvenile Iceland Gull flew west at Claddach Kirkibost this afternoon. 3 Greenland White-fronted Geese were on the in-bye land at Borve, Berneray. 50+ Whooper Swans flew north along the shore, west of Paible this morning. 100+ Redwings were in Carinish. The Green-winged Teal was seen at Loch a' Roe again today. 9 Glaucous Gulls, a 2nd winter Iceland Gull and 141 Brent Geese were seen at Rubh' Arnal today.

St. Kilda: Extraordinary news from the island of a dead Allen's Gallinule found on Hirta on 26th March.

Insects: 10 Belted Beauties (5 male) were at Smerclate.

Marine Sightings: 4 Bottle-nosed Dolphins were seen off Ardvule where they surrounded an Otter for a while before it swam back to shore.

Lapland Bunting, Pink-footed Geese and Rock Doves (Steve Duffield)

5th April:

Lewis: 100 Pink-footed Geese were near Port of Ness this morning and 125 dropped in at Loch Stiapabhat this evening. 60+ Barnacle Geese were near Loch Stiapabhat this morning. 3 Iceland Gulls were at the Butt in the morning and 9 roosted at Port of Ness this evening. A White Wagtail was at Port of Ness. A summer plumage male was near the hide at Loch Stiapabhat this evening. 75 Redwings were in Crossbost today.

North Uist: The American Coot was seen on Loch nam Feithean today along with 125 Greenland White-fronted Geese. A drake Green-winged Teal was at Loch a' Roe, Balranald.

South Uist: A Great Skua and 69 pale-bellied Brent Geese flew north at Ardvule this morning. A male Siskin was singing at Loch Eynort. 25 Redwings were in South Glendale. 2 Iceland Gulls ( 1st and 2nd yrs) and a Great Skua flew north at Orosay at lunchtime.

Barra: 60 Great Northern Divers in the Sound of Barra. The White-billed Diver was off Eoligarry. A Glaucous Gull was at Tangasdale whilst both Tree Pipit and Blackcap were new in on the island. 124 Brent Geese were at Traigh Mhor.

Brent Geese and Siskin (John Kemp)

4th April:

Lewis: 24 Greenland White-fronted Geese dropped in just south of the Butt this morning. 115 Pink-footed Geese were near Port of Ness. 2 Iceland Gulls were in Port of Ness.

North Uist: A redpoll was in Langass Wood. 19 Fulmars; 152 Gannets; 11 Great Skuas, at least 70 Kittiwakes; 27 Puffins; two Red-breasted Mergansers; a single Great Northern Diver flew north at Aird an Runair this morning. 27 Greenland White-fronted Geese and a couple of Black-tailed Godwits were at Loch nam Feithean.

South Uist: 20 White-fronted Geese flew north-west out to sea at Ardvule this morning and a Great Skua was seen flying north and south. A 1st winter Iceland Gull was also at Ardvule.

Benbecula: A Wheatear was seen near the Riding Stables, Balivanich today. They now appear quite widespread in small numbers with birds seen as singles in many locations over the last few days.

Barra: A Siberian Chiffchaff was at Morghan. 90 Brent Geese are now at Traigh Mhor.

Insects: 5 female Belted Beauties were seen at Ardvule.

Great Skua (John Kemp)

3rd April:

Lewis: 8 groups of Pink-footed Geese containing a total of 286 birds came down on the machair between Eoropie and Lionel this morning. A 2nd yr Glaucous Gull and 5 immature Iceland Gulls were near the Butt. 20 Greenland White-fronted Geese and 80 Barnacle Geese were on the machair between Lionel and Eoropie. 3 Lapland Buntings and a White Wagtail were at the Butt. 10 Iceland Gulls came in to roost south of Port of Ness.

South Uist: 200 Barnacle Geese flew over Ardivachar this morning.

Barra: 34 Brent Geese were at Traigh Mhor. A juvenile Iceland Gull was at Ardveenish. A Glaucous Gull was at Tangasdale. 3 Greenland White-fronted Geese were at Cleat as well as a Willow Warbler.

2nd April:

Lewis: 7 Pink-footed Geese flew north-west over the Butt. 2 Gadwall were on Loch Stiapabhat. 9 Iceland Gulls were at Port of Ness in the evening.

North Uist: A male Lapland Bunting was at Aird an Runair this morning.

Insects: 6 Belted Beauties (5 females and a male) were seen at Ardvule.

Belted Beauty (John Kemp)

1st April:

Lewis: A White-billed Diver was off the harbour wall at Port of Ness this afternoon whilst 6 Iceland Gulls went to roost to the south of the village. 200 Pink-footed Geese and a Greenland White-fronted Goose were grounded at Port of Ness early morning before heading towards the Butt. A juvenile Glaucous Gull and a Great Skua flew north at Skigersta.

North Uist: 8 White-fronted Geese dropped in at Carinish this evening. A Great Skua flew north at Aird an Runair. An Iceland Gull was at Loch na Reivil, Hougharry.

Benbecula: A drake Garganey was on Loch Fada around lunch time.

South Uist: A 1st yr Iceland Gull was at Ardivachar and another was on the Howmore River. 3 Black-tailed Godwits were at Loch Ardvule whilst 377 Gannets, 4 Manx Shearwaters, 17 Fulmars and 72 Kittiwakes flew north off there.

Insects: The first Emperor Moths were seen this afternoon between Carnan and Bornish in South Uist today.